The Cutting Room Floor: Southeastern

Last week, it was a potential game-winning 50-yard field goal that was decided against. This week, Lamar was down seven, on the SLU 28-yard line, facing a 4th-and-4 with 2:27 left in the first half. Instead of attempting the 45-yard kick, Caleb Berry threw an interception.

Forgoing the potential points played into a 42…yes, 42…point swing in which the score went from 14-0, Lamar, to 42-14, Southeastern.

Since Southland play began, Alex Ball has handled the field goal duties. In three games, he is 2-for-2 on field goal attempts with a 42-yarder against UCA and 47-yard kick at Sam Houston.

Of note: Lamar does not have a special teams coordinator, at least by title.

Hey, whatever happened to…

Senior linebacker Jermaine Longino.

Last season, Longino led the entire team with 107 total tackles (63 solo). This year he has 14 total tackles (6 solo) while playing in all eight games.

Lineman Jesse Dickson leads the team with 63 tackles (29 solo), 12.5 of which are for a loss.

Or wide receiver Kevin Johnson.

Last season, Johnson led the team with 10 touchdown grabs. This year, he has eight catches…total.

Johnson maintains special teams return duties, but his role as a receiver has been minimized. He’s not lining up as a primary or even third option for Caleb Berry and has no catches through three Southland games.

Curious defensive scouting

Media got the chance to interview senior linebacker James Washington following the game and ask him if SLU did anything different from what the Lamar defense expected.

“They threw the ball more than we anticipated,” he said.

But the truth is, SLU quarterback Bryan Bennett didn’t throw the ball much more against Lamar than versus any other Southland opponent.

Bennett had 20 pass attempts against SFA, 21 versus Northwestern State and then 22 against Lamar.

The Lions totaled 566 yards Saturday, 310 on the ground and 256 through the air.

Off balance?

Entering the game, SLU had the fifth-ranked pass defense and third-ranked rush defense in the Southland. Nothing too special.

But the offensive play-calling was noticeably clumped as the Cardinals’ deficit grew. Perhaps Harrington was not utilized as much as he could have been? Or maybe the pass-heavy calls were necessary given the situation?

Lamar was outscored 35-0 in the second and third quarters. Here’s a look at those offensive drives:

Also of note…Reggie Begelton and Kade Harrington were once again superb. Begelton had eight catches for 103 yards. Harrington gained 100 yards on 19 carries, while catching five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. Harrington ranks fifth of all Southland players in rushing yards.